The World Press Freedom Day Conference in 2022 is hosted by UNESCO and the Government of Uruguay and will be a digital experience combining virtual and presential participation. The conference will take place in a hybrid format, but – conditions allowing – we hope to see you in the spectacular scenery of Punta del Este, Uruguay.
Sessions taking place physically in Punta del Este will respect precautions recommended by the health authorities.
Participants wishing to travel to Uruguay should indicate their preference to do so during the pre-registration process.
REGISTER HERE
Who is organizing the World Press Freedom Global Conference in 2022 and when is it happening?
The Conference is hosted by UNESCO and the Government of Uruguay and will take place on 2 - 4 May in Punta del Este (Uruguay). On 5 May, UNESCO and the Government of Uruguay are organizing a field trip to Historic Quarter of the City of Colonia del Sacramento, inscribed in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Find additional information on the trip here and book it during the second step of registration.
Where does the World Press Freedom Global Conference 2022 take place?
Conference sessions will take place (and be broadcasted from) the Convention Center of Punta del Este. The Conference will be livestreamed on an online platform.
Can I attend the conference in person in Uruguay?
Yes, the hosts are hoping to bring the global World Press Freedom Day community back together to network and share during the conference and beyond. In-person participation is the priority, and participants wishing to travel to Uruguay to attend the conference should indicate their preference to do so upon registration.
For physical participation, there is a two-step process:
First step: register via the pre-registration form and indicate that you plan to attend in person.
Second step: register on the website of the local event secretariat and book your accomodation directly.
Can I invite other people to attend the Conference?
You can invite people by directing them to the pre-registration form.
For whom is the World Press Freedom Conference?
The World Press Freedom Conference is open to everyone, including journalists and news media, policy makers, NGOs, members of the judiciary, students, artists, businesses, academics and many others from all over the world who work in or for journalism. Registration is mandatory.
Is the World Press Freedom Conference the same thing as World Press Freedom Day?
The annual World Press Freedom Conference is the global celebration of World Press Freedom Day - a worldwide commemoration day that takes places on 3 May. There will be other World Press Freedom Day celebrations organized by UNESCO and partners. Events will take place around 3 May across the globe. You can register your event and check out our map of celebrations here.
What is World Press Freedom Day about?
World Press Freedom Day celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom, takes stock of press freedom around the world, aims to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession. World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 following a Recommendation adopted at the twenty-sixth session of UNESCO's General Conference in 1991.
For in-person participants only
Conference venue
Do I have to register to attend the Conference in person?
Yes, you have to complete your pre-registration here, and indicate that you would like to attend the conference in person. You will then be contacted and during a second step, can register via the website of the local event secretariat, booking your hotel directly. The conference organizers validate registrations and reserve the right to reject participants.
Do I have to pay to participate in the Conference?
No, participation is for free. There will be courtesy airport transfers to Punta del Este from Montevideo International Airport (Carrasco) and from the local Punta del Este Airport. However, you will have to let us know your time and flight of arrival when completing the registration for in-person participants. There will also be courtesy shuttle bus service between the Convention Center and “official hotels” pre-booked by the local organization committee in the mornings and when sessions adjourn in the evenings. Other costs involve the Ballet Gala on the 4th and accommodation in Montevideo as well as the tour to Colonia on the 5th May if you wish to attend. Deadline for booking via the local event page: 20th April 2022.
Accommodation and transfers
Find here a list of suggested "official" hotels in Punta del Este and Montevideo: Hotel list
Hotel bookings and transfer requests will be accepted until Tuesday 26 April through the local event secretariat: https://conferenciaunesco2022.uy/en/punta-del-este-official-hotels/
After 26 April, hotel bookings will be depending on availability.
Airport transfers will be covered by the organization on the following days:
Transfer from the airport in Montevideo to Punta del Este: from 30th April until 4 May
Transfer from Punta del Este to Montevideo (Hotel or Airport): 4 May
Transfer from Montevideo Hotels to the Airport in Montevideo: 4 May until 7 May
At Montevideo Carrasco airport, a person from the conference team will be positioned with a banner next to the baggage collection area to lead you to your transfer.
Shuttle buses in Punta del Este will go to the Convention Center from the official hotels listed on the website in the mornings and evenings.
On Monday, 2 May, there will be special transfers at 12.30 and 13:00 to attend the opening session.
Please complete the second step of your registration and provide your travel details. For any transport outside of the above mentioned trajectories, you can book privately paid transport via the following contact: hotel-tours@congresos-rohr.com.
Deadline for transport bookings: 26 April 2022
Badges
Badges can be collected at the conference center from Sunday 1 May from 10:00 to 19:00 and Monday 2 May from 8:00.
Those staying at the Enjoy Hotel can pick up their badges at the counter on Sunday 1 May from 10:00 to 17:00 and Monday 2 May from 8:00 to 15:00.
National SODRE Ballet performance “The Fire Bird” by Stravisnky and Concert “Divertimento for string Orchestra” by Bartok
This will be held on 4 May at 8.30 pm at the SODRE theatre in Montevideo. All participants are invited to this ballet performance (limited seats available). Following the performance, there will be a reception/cocktail at the SODRE foyer which can be booked through the website form at US$ 35. The ballet performance itself will have no cost and buses from Punta del Este to Montevideo hotels, transfer to the theatre and return to hotels will also be courtesy. Deadline for bookings: 20th April 2022.
Suggested dress code: Formal cocktail dress – suits.
Full day tour to Colonia:
On 5 May there will be a day tour to Colonia del Sacramento, the first city founded in Uruguay by the Portuguese in 1630 and declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1995. Buses will be leaving Montevideo hotels in the morning and return to Montevideo after the day tour. The tour will be conducted by tour guides and there will be a performance of the SODRE Folk Ballet at the historic bull fight arena which was recently restored: “The Real de San Carlos”. You may book your bus seat and pay when completing the second step of your registration. Lunch will be on your own at the many restaurants in the historic quarter. Deadline for bookings: 20 April 2022
Visas
Do I need a visa to travel to Uruguay and participate in the Conference?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Please check the official website of the government of Uruguay for visa requirements.
List of countries that need visas: https://migracion.minterior.gub.uy/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1280
When should I apply for a visa?
You should apply as soon as possible. Information can be found in the official website of the government of Uruguay for visa requirements.
Find more information here: https://www.gub.uy/buscar?search_api_fulltext=documentation+to+enter+to+uruguay
I need an invitation letter to apply for my visa. Can the conference organizers provide me with one?
If the conference organizers admit you for in-person participation and should an invitation letter be necessary for your visa requirements, they can provide you with an invitation letter. Please contact us at wpfd@unesco.org and clearly mention your full name as written in your passport, your identification document number and nationality. Please note that providing you with a letter can take a maximum of 2 working days.
Will the costs of my visa be covered by the organizers?
You will be responsible for covering the costs of your visa. Information of visa costs can be found in the official website of the government of Uruguay for visa requirements.
https://visaguide.world/south-america/uruguay-visa/ Cost is approx.: US$42
Where can I find useful information about attending the Conference in person?
Information on Uruguay and the Conference will be updated on the website regularly.
For Online Participants
Do I need to register for the online conference?
Yes, you must register to attend the Conference. Pre-Registration for all participants is here. Once you receive a registration confirmation, you are officially registered! When the online platform is available, you will receive your log-in credentials.
Will the sessions be conducted live?
Except for some sessions, the panels will be streamed live and offer possibilities for online participation, for example by interacting with panelists. There will also be exhibitions that are available all throughout the conference days.
Do I have to pay to participate in the Conference?
No, online participation is for free for all registered participants.
I am a presenter/speaker/moderator for the event. What should I do?
If you have not received guidance by session organizers, please contact us at wpfd@unesco.org. In any case, please register online so that you can follow all sessions.
Can I invite other people to attend the Conference?
You can invite people by directing them to the registration platform. Please spread the word, including by promoting the conference on your social media accounts.
Will there be sessions for all the 4 days of the conference?
There will be livestreamed sessions and events on 2,3 and 4 May. The platform will remain open for a limited time for participants to revisit previous sessions, explore the exhibitions and watch films!
How do I follow the conference on social media?
We invite everyone to follow @UNESCONow in Twitter and Instagram using the hashtags #WorldPressFreedomDay #PressFreedom #DiaMundialLibertadDePrensa #LibertadDePrensa #WorldPressFreedomDay y #PressFreedom
Will I be able to view the sessions afterwards?
Sessions will be available on demand on UNESCO’s YouTube channel as well as through the Ministry of Education of Uruguay‘s YouTube channel.